There are quite a few different skin conditions that affect dogs. One of those conditions is folliculitis. This inflammation of the hair follicle is common and can be treated. Here’s what to know about folliculitis in dogs:

What is Folliculitis in Dogs?

Folliculitis is a common skin problem in dogs that is an inflammation of a hair follicle. This inflammation is typically caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. Bacteria on the skin is common; however, if there’s an overgrowth of bacteria, it can cause an infection.

This condition of an inflamed hair follicle may be why your dog is so itchy, has skin redness or lesions, or localized pain. There are no dog breeds that have a disposition to folliculitis. However, dogs that have allergies often tend to develop this condition more than other dogs.

If you think your dog might have folliculitis, don’t panic! While a veterinarian will need to determine the cause, folliculitis can be treated.

What Causes Folliculitis in Dogs?

Folliculitis can be caused by many different things. Because the term applies to any inflamed hair follicle, it doesn’t reveal anything specific about what is causing the inflammation. However, one of the most common causes is bacteria.

Dogs have bacteria that live naturally on their skin, and that kind is typically harmless. However, the skin’s environment can change, leading to issues affecting the bacteria as well as the hair follicle. This can result in inflammation or infection.

Other common causes of folliculitis in dogs include allergies, irritation of the skin, excessive moisture on the skin, yeast infections, parasite activity, and excessive licking of the skin. All of these things can disrupt or compromise the skin barrier, making your dog’s skin much more susceptible to an infection.

Is Folliculitis in Dogs Contagious?

While the actual condition of folliculitis in dogs is typically not contagious, the causes of folliculitis may be. Certain types of bacteria can be spread from one dog to another, as well as parasites and fungal infections.

How to Treat Folliculitis in Dogs

Because there is no definitive cause of folliculitis, treatment can be a little bit tricky. However, once the cause is determined, treatment will follow. The type of treatment will depend on what the root cause is. If you notice signs of folliculitis, make an appointment for your dog to see their vet.

Treatment For Folliculitis Caused by Bacterial or Fungal Infections

If your dog’s folliculitis is caused by bacteria, it’s often treated with an antibacterial ointment, cream, or shampoo. In the most extreme cases, your dog may also need an oral antibiotic. Fungal folliculitis treatments often include a topical antifungal ointment and sometimes an oral antifungal medication.

Treatment For Folliculitis Caused by Fleas, Ticks, or Other Parasites

If your dog has fleas and ticks, you may see some skin irritation from the parasites. Preparing your dog for tick and flea season is important, not just for preventing tick-borne diseases, but also to keep your dog’s skin healthy. If your dog’s folliculitis is caused by a parasite activity, it’s usually treated with a topical or oral anti-parasite medication.

Treatment For Folliculitis Caused by Allergies

Another common cause of folliculitis is allergies. Your vet may need to determine the allergy by doing a skin test or blood test. Once the allergy is determined, medication will be given to mitigate its symptoms, and a treatment for the folliculitis will also be given.

How Long Does Folliculitis in Dogs Last?

There isn’t a specific timeline for how long folliculitis in dogs will last. First of all, it may take some time to determine the cause of folliculitis and begin treatment. Then, it will take some time for the medication to work, which can be anywhere between 3 to 12 weeks. The more serious the infection or underlying causes, the longer treatment will take.

What is the Prognosis For Dogs With Folliculitis?

If your dog has folliculitis, their prognosis will depend on the cause of the inflammation. If the inflammation is caused by a small infection or irritation, it usually responds fairly quickly to topical or oral treatments. If there’s a larger underlying health issue, your dog’s prognosis will depend on the outcome of those treatments.

How to Prevent Folliculitis in Dogs

There isn’t one easy way to prevent folliculitis in dogs. However, regularly taking care of your dog and their skin is helpful. Also, early intervention is one of the best ways to keep folliculitis from getting worse. It’s important to routinely check your dog’s skin for any signs of inflammation, redness, or pain.

You should also be checking all the places to look for ticks on your dog to make sure skin irritation isn’t caused by parasites. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to determine what the cause is and create a treatment plan.

This is what to know about folliculitis in dogs. If caught early and treated, folliculitis can clear up within a few weeks or a few months. If you have any questions about your dog’s skin, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. They can work with you to determine a treatment plan so your dog will get some relief!